How Much Does It Cost to Trim Bushes? [2026 Data]

In 2026, the national average cost to trim bushes and hedges is $981, based on 169,665 verified projects reported by Angi Pros. Most homeowners pay between $480 and $1,558, with the spread driven by the number of bushes, their height, and your location. If you're adding debris hauling ($25 to $100) or optional treatments like plant growth regulators, budget accordingly.

Hedge Trimming Cost Calculator

Calculations are based on the cost of trimming a small group of shrubs or bushes. Calculations rounded to the nearest whole number.

How to Calculate Hedge Trimming Cost

To calculate the cost of trimming hedges or bushes, follow these steps:

• Determine the type and number of trimming services: Start by determining whether the shrubbery in question are hedges or bushes, and then count the number that need trimming.

• Get quotes from local trimming services: Shop around to at least three local bush trimming services to determine their pricing. Ask about how they bundle pricing and services for multiple shrubs.

• Calculate the price: Once you’ve settled on a bush trimming service, multiply their per bush pricing by the number in your yard that need trimming.

Bush Trimming Cost Factors: What Affects the Price?

Trimming your bushes or hedges is one of the more affordable maintenance tasks you can schedule for your yard. Compared to larger landscaping projects, it's a straightforward service that keeps your home's exterior looking well-kept. Several factors influence what you'll pay, including plant type, size, quantity, and how accessible your bushes are to the crew.

Type

The type of plants you have is the primary factor shaping your trimming cost, with the average price sitting at $981 across all plant types. The cost of trimming hedges depends on height and length, with smaller hedges starting around $200 and long or overgrown hedges reaching $3,000 or more. Hedges six feet or taller cost more because landscapers often need ladders, adding time and effort to the job. The longer you go without maintenance, the higher your trimming bill is likely to be.

The table below breaks down the average trimming cost based on plant type:

Quantity

The number of bushes and hedges on your property determines your pruning estimate. Many landscapers offer discounts when multiple trees and shrubs need trimming in a single visit. Taking a full inventory of your yard before calling for a quote helps you capture every area that needs attention and may help you negotiate a better overall price. The table below shows trimming costs based on the number of bushes:

Size

Bush size is another key cost driver because larger plants require ladders and additional safety equipment, which adds time and expense to the job. Trimming small bushes under two feet runs $3 to $6, mid-size bushes between two and six feet cost $6 to $16, and taller bushes over six feet run $16 to $35. Having many bushes that need trimming rather than just one or two will also push your total toward the higher end of the range. Check out the average cost to trim bushes based on size in feet: 

Location

Where your bushes and hedges are located on your property can meaningfully affect your trimming costs. Bushes near your home's siding or windows require extra caution from the crew to avoid damage, while tall shrubs near a sidewalk or road add time due to traffic and pedestrian safety measures. These obstructions slow down the work, which raises your bill—especially if you're paying by the hour.

Cleanup and Hauling

Debris cleanup and hauling is sometimes included in your trimming quote, but many landscapers charge it as a separate line item. When hauling is billed separately from the pruning job, expect to pay $25 to $100. If you combine pruning with other bush removal services, hauling costs can rise to $200 to $500. Ask your pro upfront whether cleanup is included so there are no surprises on your final invoice.

Repeat Service

Bush and hedge trimming is an ongoing maintenance expense, not a one-time fix. Overgrown hedges can damage your home or encroach on neighboring yards, so plan to budget for professional service monthly, quarterly, or yearly. Many landscaping pros offer discounts for repeat customers and can advise you on when to trim your bushes for the best results.

Bush Trimming Additional Costs: What to Budget For

Bush and hedge trimming is generally straightforward, but a few additional services can increase your total cost depending on your yard's needs. A plant growth regulator runs $30 to $500, a landscape consultation costs $100 to $200, and pest control ranges from $50 to $500. Factoring these into your budget upfront helps you avoid unexpected costs when working with a professional landscaper.

Why You Should Hire a Bush and Hedge Trimming Pro

If you have the right tools (or you're willing to buy them), you can save $50 to $100 per hour in labor by cutting your own bushes and hedges. However, there's more skill than you think required to trim bushes properly, so it's better to hire a local hedge trimming pro if you want the job done correctly.

Here's why it's ideal to hire a bush trimming pro

Here are the main reasons to consider hiring a pro for bush trimming (instead of doing it yourself):

• Professionals know how to use different tools and techniques to trim bushes into your preferred shape.

• Experts have the right equipment—including pruners, loppers, and safety gear—for the job.

• Professional landscapers understand the right time of year to trim different types of bushes.

• While working, pros can check for dead or diseased plants and remove them before they attract pests.

• DIY mistakes can lead to overtrimming, plant damage, and regrowth issues.

• Pros can work faster and more efficiently than less-experienced DIYers.

Bush Trimming Add-Ons: Extra Services to Budget For

Bundling additional services with your bush trimming can help you get a better overall rate while keeping your entire yard in shape. Ask your landscaper about lawn-cutting, leaf removal, or tree limb trimming while they're already on-site. Common add-on costs include mowing cost at $50 to $200, leaf removal cost at $150 to $600, and tree trimming cost at $75 to $1,800. Take a look at the price breakdown below:

How You Can Save Money Trimming Your Bushes

Whether you DIY the project or work with landscapers or arborists, there are ways you can cut down on the cost associated with trimming your bushes and hedges. Here are a few tips to help you save:

1. DIY whenever you can: Trimming bushes is something most people can learn on their own. Spend some time looking at YouTube videos and get a sense of how to trim bushes or hedges. This can save you from hiring someone.

2. If you DIY, get the proper tools : Purchase high-quality pruning shears and other essential trimming tools. While there may be an upfront cost, these tools can last longer and provide better results, saving you money in the long run.

3. Utilize trimmings around your garden : Instead of bagging and disposing of the trimmed branches, consider using them as mulch. Mulching can help retain moisture in the soil, suppress weeds, and reduce the need for additional landscaping materials.

4. Get off-season work done : Consider scheduling professional trimming during off-peak seasons when landscapers might offer discounts to fill their schedules. Avoid peak times, such as spring and fall, when demand is high.

5. Consider full removal : If you moved into a home with bushes you simply can't manage, it may make sense to pay for removal instead of constant trimming.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We’ve surveyed over 30,000 real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.